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Picture Matting Techniques

A wonderful way to enhance a picture is to apply different matting techniques. From single mats to highly embellished and hand-painted mats, even the simplest artwork can be dressed up with the right matting. A good framing shop should be able to show you multiple options for your artwork.
  1. Cut Beveled Mats

    • Cut beveled mats are an easy way to dress up a picture.

      One of the simplest matting techniques is to apply a beveled picture mat. Mats come in an array of colors and are cut on a diagonal to create a beveled edge to frame the picture. Cut beveled mats can be applied in a single treatment, or multiple beveled mats can be layered for additional interest.

    Custom Fillet Matting

    • A fillet is a small molding that fits on the inside of a cut mat.

      Another option for matting a piece of artwork is to apply a custom-cut fillet. A fillet is a small piece of molding that is fit on the inside of a cut fiberboard mat, bringing elegance to a framing. Fillets come in many styles, designs and wood species, and they can be painted to complement your artwork.

    Fabric-Covered Mats

    • A quality framer can custom-cover a mat for your artwork.

      Fabric-covered mats can be created in a variety of colors, fabrics and designs. A cut fiberboard mat is wrapped tightly with fabric, which is glued to the mat. Custom-covered mats created from the fabrics in your room guarantee an exact match to the decor and give your artwork a high-end look.

    Hand-Painted Mats

    • Hand-painted mats can carry the beauty of a painting right into the matting.

      Hand-painted mats are a piece of art themselves. Many artists create pieces that carry the actual subject of their artwork right into the matting material. Hand-painted embellishments can also be added to a piece of artwork when the matting is applied.

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